Nov 6, 1926 – May 29, 2026
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our Mom, Mary Gladys Ross, on May 29, 2026 at Yreka. She was 99 1/2 years old.
Mary Gladys Bowers, known as Gladys, was born in Akron, OH on November 6, 1926 to Grant C. & Mary F. Bowers. Gladys grew up in Akron. While in 6th grade she met her best friend Ruth Williams. The two were inseparable and would one day marry brothers, sealing their sisterhood. Gladys graduated from East High School in Akron on June 6, 1944. A date she would never forget for it was the Invasion of Normandy, D-Day. She was seventeen.
When Gladys turned 18 she went to work for Goodyear Aircraft, Plant C in Akron. She was trained to be a “Rosie the Riveter” working on the B-29’s fuselage installing dust seals on bombay doors. It was during this time she met and became engaged to Robert Cross an Air Force man stationed with the B-29’s in the Pacific. Gladys has always been proud of her patriotism and her contributions in helping the war efforts. Gladys married Robert Ross on March 17, 1945 and soon started a family. Her family has always been her crowning achievement to which she was most proud. Pouring her heart and soul into being a wife and mother of 3, she became a dedicated homemaker.
In 1966 the family moved to Etna, where Gladys was united with her best friend and now sister-in-law whom resided there. Etna remained her “Home” until her passing and where she had made many friends throughout the years. Gladys was not only an amazing homemaker, she was also an amazing cook. She loved to bake most of all. Those who knew her will attest to the wide array of delectable desserts she made. Holidays and special occasions were made Extra Special and memorable by cherished recipes made only for those times and we looked forward to them each year.
Gladys loved to sew. She had sewn countless outfits for her daughters and grand daughters + doll clothes, formals, prom dresses, wedding dresses, maternity clothes, baby clothes also sewing for herself and a couple dress shirts for her husband who proudly wore them on several occasions. she was excited to be able to take an advanced designer sewing class with the late Dot Luce, a dress designer and boutique Owner. Gladys was an expert seamstress in her own right, but always liked learning new things.
Over the years Gladys held jobs at Goodyear Aircraft and J.C. Penney’s of Akron, and also the Homestead in Etna and she later enjoyed many years at Scott Valley Drug Store from which she retired. Gladys devoted many hours as an Assistant Sewing Leader for 4-H, was a council member for Job’s Daughters for many years. A member of Eastern Star, she was Deaconess for the Berean Church in Etna, and enjoyed spending time with her Sewing Circles and Bible Study Groups.
Gladys was known for her sense of humor, brightening every conversation and leaving smiles along the way. No matter how poorly she felt, she always brought a chuckle and a smile to those around her. Her smile and laugh shall forever be etched in our hearts. Gladys had a heart of gold where her family was held near and dear. The special memories of our mom, our grandmother, and great grandmother and all she has meant to our family will be forever cherished in our hearts..our tears of today will someday turn into smiles as we fondly remember her memory. A treasure who is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
Gladys was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61yrs. Robert “Bob” Ross of Etna; parents Grant & Mary Bowers of Akron,OH; a brother Harold Bowers of New York, brother Jack Bowers of Mogadore, OH and a brother John Bowers of Akron; her best friend and lifelong “sister” Ruth Ross of Vancouver, WA. Grandson Michael Thomson Jr. of Hornbrook.
Gladys is survived by daughter Karen Brown of Etna, son Robert “Bobby” Ross of Bend, OR, daughter Lori Thomson of Hornbrook. 7 grandchildren Kent Brown of Alaska, Bryan Brown of Texas, Angela McKnight of Montague, Christian Thomson of Hornbrook, David Thomson of Yreka, Brianna Chong of Hollister, Tiffany Ross of Bend, OR; 13 Great Grandchildren: Haylee Fernandes of Montague, Kayla Brown of Wyoming, Cody Brown of Montague, Jaiden McKnight of Medford. Logan McKnight of Montague, Ember Thomson & Saphira Thomson Thrash of Florala, AL.,Leam Thomson & McKenna Thomson of Yreka, Mya Brown, Aliya Brown & Bryan Brown Jr. of Texas, Michael Simmons of Redding; 3 Great Great Grandchildren: Ava Lynn Fernandes of Montague, Freya and Aaliyah Cruz of Florala, AL. In addition Gladys leaves several Nephews & Nieces with whom she has stayed in touch through the years.
A very special thank-you to the staff at Madrone Hospice for their compassion and kindness you have always shown our family!
In Lieu of flowers any contribution to Madrone Hospice 255 Collier Circle Yreka, CA 96097 would be welcomed.
A Memorial Service will be held on June 13, 2026 11:00 a.m. at The Scott Valley Berean Church, 134 Church St. Etna, CA , with a graveside Ceremony to follow at Etna Cemetery.
Source: The Girdner Funeral Chapel
